CHESHIRE Police have issued an appeal on behalf of Warwickshire Police in the bid to identify the body of a severely burned man.

The remains were found at the side of the M45 in Warwickshire on Tuesday (December 30).

The man had sustained substantial injuries to his head and had been killed prior to his body being dumped at the side of the M45, where it was set on fire at approximately 1.10pm.

In a bid to identify the victim police have released a Computerised Topography (CT) image and are urging everyone to look and see if they may be able to identify who he is.

The image shows the man’s face and profile but is not able to show skin tone or colour or facial hair. The man's ethnicity remains unknown but he had a distinctively-shaped nose and slightly protruding front teeth.

He is also believed to have had extended sideburns or a full beard, which was dark but greying. He is believed to have had longish wispy hair and was between 5’2” and 5’6” tall. The victim is thought to be aged between 45 years and 75 years old.

DS Adrian McGee of Warwickshire Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “Have you not seen or heard from a relative or friend matching this description during the New Year period?

“Has a work colleague matching this description not returned to work? Or were you travelling on the M45 motorway on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm?

“If so, we need to speak to you urgently. Please contact us on 01926 415789 or email us at: incidentroom@warwickshire.police.uk.”

If you have information about this man or the murder but wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your call is free and you will not be asked for your name.